. >> reporter: but the president courting voters in texas says the answer is not tax benefits for the rich. >> i want to end tax breaks to companies shipping jobs overseas. let's give tax breaks to companies investing right here in texas, right here in the united states of america. let's put american workers back to work! >> reporter: both candidates are offering plans to help the economy which grew at an annual rate of 2.5% in the last half of 2011 but slowed to below 2% recently. it's unlikely the fed will take any action at its next meeting at the end of july. but if the economy continues to weaken, steps may be taken at the board's mid-september meeting. jennifer johnson, nbc news, washington. >>> bernanke also said europe's final crisis also poses a risk to our nation's economy. >>> former president george h.w. bush will not attend next month's gop convention. the former president's mobility will keep him from attending the gathering in tampa. the 88-year-old has a form of parkinson's and often uses a wheelchair or motorized scooter to get around. this is the first time he'll mis